AL-EMON ALAUDIPES 243 



met with, but these are probably nothing more than weak or under- 

 sized birds. Canon Tristram's Certhilauda salvini {Ibis, 1859, p. 428) 

 may perhaps have been founded on one of these small specimens. 



In Algeria the present species appears to be of common occurrence 

 in districts corresponding to those in which it is found in Tunisia. 



From Marocco I have no specimens of it, but the species probably 

 occurs in some of the more inland desert districts. 



From Tripoli I have a large series of specimens of this Lark, 

 obtained from different parts of the country, both inland and coast 

 districts. Mr. Dodson met with it as far south as Mursuk, which 

 lies in 26° N. lat. and the species is probably distributed more or less 

 abundantly throughout the whole of the Vilayet. 



A. alauclipes is eminently a desert bird, never, so far as I am 

 aware, occurring north of the Atlas. The most northerly point where 

 I have met with the species has been a few miles to the north of 

 Gafsa, where the high plateaux of Central Tunisia merge into the 

 more desert regions of the south. Here in a very sandy spot at the 

 junction of two " oueds," I found a few of these birds in 1893, and I 

 again met with the species in the very same spot the following year, 

 so that it was evidently not merely of accidental occurrence there. 

 On the western plains between Gafsa and Tozer I have also occasion- 

 ally encountered the species. South of the Chott Djerid A. alaudipes 

 is of more frequent occurrence, and my collection has specimens of 

 it from numerous districts, such as Oglet-Ouhamia, Zamas, Bir- 

 Sultane and Taraerzed. 



This Lark evinces a marked partiality for sandy wastes, and is 

 fond of frequenting the dry beds of the " oueds " so plentiful in South 

 Tunisia. It is generally to be found in pairs, particularly during the 

 spring, but at other seasons may be met with in small parties. The 

 bird is a great runner and will often try and elude pursuit by taking 

 to its legs instead of using its wings. When flying it is rather a 

 conspicuous bird, owing to the very distinct marking of its wings, 

 the more noticeable as it flies low, skimming over the ground within 

 two or three feet of the surface. At times, and particularly during 

 the nesting season, the bird may often be seen to rise suddenly from 

 the ground, remain hovering for a short time in mid-air, singing the 

 while, and then descend again. Its song is clear and flute like, and 

 is composed of three or four somewhat plaintive notes. Although a 

 ground bird, it may sometimes be found perching on a bush or desert 



